Question

Analyze Juliet’s growth as a character. How have they changed from Act I to Act II? write a claim, evidence, commentary, and closing sentence 9th grade language and use evidence from act I and act II

Answer 1

Claim:
Juliet grows from a sheltered, obedient girl in Act I into a more independent, decisive young woman in Act II who is willing to challenge her family and take control of her love life.

Evidence (Act I):
- “It is an honour that I dream not of.” (Act 1, scene 3)
- “I’ll look to like, if looking liking move; But no more deep will I endart mine eye / Than your consent gives strength to make it fly.” (Act 1, scene 3)
- “My only love sprung from my only hate!” (Act 1, scene 5)

Commentary:
In Act I Juliet’s language shows obedience and inexperience. She tells her mother that marriage is an “honour” she hasn’t even thought about and promises to only “look to like” if her parents approve — she behaves more like a dutiful daughter than an active chooser. Even after she meets Romeo (Act 1, scene 5), her line “My only love sprung from my only hate!” shows surprise and distress at fate rather than a plan of action. By Act II, however, Juliet speaks and acts very differently. In the balcony scene she argues, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose / By any other word would smell as sweet,” and offers, “Deny thy father and refuse thy name; Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And I’ll no longer be a Capulet.” These lines show she is thinking for herself, willing to reject social rules (family name) for love, and actively proposing solutions. She also worries “It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden,” which shows she is able to weigh risks and think maturely about the consequences of their quick romance.

Closing sentence:
Juliet’s shift from obedient, passive girl to decisive, thoughtful young woman between Act I and Act II shows clear emotional and moral growth as she takes responsibility for her own choices.